Former Clemson end Tavaris Barnes, ACC alums take chance on Alliance of American Football

There is now a remedy for the epidemic that spreads through the South every February.

Folks would wake up the morning after the Super Bowl showing the first symptoms of Football Withdrawal Syndrome, knowing that the next games would not be played until August.

The Alliance of American Football has shortened that dreaded wait from six months to six days.

The professional league debuted Saturday night, less than one week after the Super Bowl. The AAF comprises eight teams and will play a 10-week regular-season schedule.

The AAF aims to become a developmental system for the National Football League. Most of its players are alums of major college programs, including at least one player from 13 of the 14 Atlantic Coast Conference schools.

Defensive end Tavaris Barnes is the only former Clemson player listed on an AAF roster. Barnes played on Clemson's defensive front from 2011 to 2014, behind Vic Beasley and Corey Crawford.

Barnes signed a free agent deal with the New Orleans Saints in 2015. He appeared in 13 games that season, but he has not played in another NFL game. He signed with Seattle, Washington and Tampa Bay in subsequent seasons but cycled from the practice squad to injured reserve.

Former Clemson defensive end Tavaris Barnes (9) works out for NFL scouts during Pro Day at Clemson Thursday, March 5, 2015.(Photo11: BART BOATWRIGHT/Staff)

Barnes opened the AAF season with the Atlanta Legends, along with 16 other ACC alums. Former Georgia Tech quarterback Justin Thomas has switched to wide receiver for the Legends with former Louisville star receiver James Quick.

The Legends opened the season with a 40-6 loss Saturday at the Orlando Apollos, who are coached by former South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier.